Jack's Ward eBook

“Probably it will die,” said Rachel, mournfully.
“It’s very hard to raise children.
There’s something unhealthy in its looks.”

“It don’t seem to me so. It looks
plump and healthy.”

“You can’t never judge by appearances.
You ought to know that, Martha.”

“I will take the risk, Rachel.”

“I don’t see what you are going to do
with a baby, when we are all on the verge of starvation,
and going to be turned into the street this very day,”
remarked Rachel, despondently.

“We won’t think of that just now.
Common humanity requires us to see what we can do
for the poor child.”

So saying, Mrs. Harding took the infant in her arms.
The child opened its eyes, and smiled.

“My! here’s a letter,” said Jack,
diving into the bottom of the basket. “It’s
directed to you, father.”

The cooper opened the letter, and read as follows:

“For reasons which it is unnecessary to state,
the guardians of this child find it expedient to intrust
it to others to bring up. The good account which
they have heard of you has led them to select you for
that charge. No further explanation is necessary,
except that it is by no means their intention to make
this a service of charity. They, therefore, inclose
a certificate of deposit on the Broadway Bank of five
hundred dollars, the same having been paid in to your
credit. Each year, while the child remains in
your charge, the same will in like manner be placed
to your credit at the same bank. It may be as
well to state, further, that all attempt to fathom
whatever of mystery may attach to this affair will
prove useless.”

The letter was read in amazement. The certificate
of deposit, which had fallen to the floor, was picked
up by Jack, and handed to his father.

Amazement was followed by a feeling of gratitude and
relief.

“What could be more fortunate?” exclaimed
Mrs. Harding. “Surely, Timothy, our faith
has been rewarded.”

“God has listened to our cry!” said the
cooper, devoutly, “and in the hour of our sorest
need He has remembered us.”

“Like as not,” observed Rachel, “the
certificate isn’t genuine. It doesn’t
look natural it should be. I’ve heard of
counterfeits afore now. I shouldn’t be
surprised at all if Timothy got took up for presenting
it.”

“I’ll take the risk,” said her brother,
who did not seem much alarmed at the suggestion.

“Now you’ll be able to pay the rent, Timothy,”
said Mrs. Harding, cheerfully.

“Yes, and it’s the last quarter’s
rent I mean to pay Mr. Colman, if I can help it.”

“Why, where are you going?” asked Jack.

“To the house belonging to Mr. Harrison that
I spoke of last night, that is, if it isn’t
already engaged. I think I will see about it at
once. If Mr. Colman should come in while I am
gone, tell him I will be back directly; I don’t
want you to tell him of the change in our circumstances.”